Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to 1) study the general potential conditions and needs for community potential development in the special economic zone in Nong Khai province; 2) to analyze the factors influencing the development of community potential in promoting the development of the special economic zone in the Thai border area, Nong Khai province 3) to analyze the potential of the community that can promote the development of special
economic zones in the Thai border area, Nong Khai province and 4) to study community development models to promote the development of special economic zones in Thai border area, Nong Khai province. The study was divided into 3 phases by using Mixed Methods Research comprising both qualitative research and quantitative research methods. (Quantitative Research) The sample group consisted of 483 representatives of the community, 12 key informants and 12 experts participating in the Focus Group Discussion. The research instruments
were questionnaires, interviews, and group discussion. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics namely Frequency Distribution, Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation including Inferential Statistics Analysis comprising Pearson, Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis.
The research result showed that
1. General potential of the community in the special economic zone, Nong Khai province were overall at the highest level in two aspects: community structure and community leaders. The management aspect was at a high level in two areas, namely the economy and the occupational groups in the community. The infrastructure aspect was at the medium level in the area of the traditions, culture and tourist attractions. The aspect at a low level was the area of social and social organization. The people in the area have a need to develop the capacity of the community to support the special economic zone in Nong Khai Province was overall at a high level ( X =3.96)
2. Factors Influencing community potential development in promoting the development of special economic zones in Thai Border area, Nong Khai province found that 6 factors influencing the potential of the community were policy awareness and access to information, Infrastructure in the community, Support from government agencies, Management within the community, Economic resources in the community and Professional skills of people in the community with statistical significance at the 0.1 level.
3. An analysis of community potential that can promote the development of special economic zones in Thai border area, Nong Khai province found that the community has the potential of professional skills in the community to support the development of the special economic zone at high level, has the potential to prepare the community to support the development of special economic zones at moderate level and has the potential for community businesses / products to support the development of special economic zones at low level. The community has the potential to support the development of the special economic zone in Nong Khai province according to 6 all analytical factors.
4. 6 community potential development models to promote the development of special economic zones in Thai border area, Nong Khai province, consisting of 1) 6 model of management in the community development ; 2) 7 models of economic resource development in the community; 3) 5 models of occupational skills development of people in the community; 4) 4 models of infrastructure development in the community; 5) 6 models of support from six
government organizations development, and 6) 7 models of policy awareness and access to information development.